You're holding your new baby in your arms. You may feel overjoyed, wishing to call everyone you know with your news! If you had an unexpected birth experience or procedure (such as a cesarean birth), you may feel disenchanted. Or, you may actually feel relieved that your baby is safe and well. You could possibly feel guilty because things didn't go as planned. Maybe you're just exhausted and ready for a good meal and a long nap. The full range of emotional experience is easily understood by other mothers who have experienced what you have. Talk to your partner, your doctor or nurse-midwife about how you're feeling. It is important to realize that you're not alone in this time, and that you're also not the first person to go through this draining experience.
Pain after birth can have several causes. It may be caused by:
The pain you feel as your body recovers from childbirth is natural, so it's helpful to remember that the miraculous process that brought a sweet little life into your arms is still ongoing. Most likely, you will feel motivated to move beyond the discomfort to enjoy caring for your baby.
We don't recommend suffering through your postpartum period in unnecessary pain, however. Managing pain through medication can be controlled with little or no risk to you or baby. It can render you more active, improve your eating and sleeping, and leave you feeling more positive.
Because some pain medications can be addicting, never stray from the specific type and dosage prescribed by your doctor or nurse-midwife. It's impossible for nurses to measure the pain you're having, so it's up to you to tell them how you feel. If you have questions about controlling your pain when you get home, or if the pain medicine isn't working, talk to your healthcare provider.
Along with advising you about pain medicine choices, your doctor or nurse-midwife can suggest additional comfort measures. Cold-packs or ice-packs on the episiotomy incision can provide relief, as can heating pads, massage and relaxation.
Important Note: If you ever have difficulty communicating your concerns to the nurse assigned to you, you may ask to speak to the charge nurse.
Recovering from surgery takes longer than recovering from a vaginal birth, and it's also more uncomfortable. Managing your pain properly can actually help you get well faster. Even if you are breastfeeding, take the pain medicines offered so that you can walk, move, feed and care for your baby in comfort. The most discomfort occurs at the very beginning, so keep a positive attitude because it's going to get easier!
It's normal to have stiffness, soreness, a dry throat, pain in the incision, uterine cramping, and abdominal gas pains. It may be helpful to place a hand or a pillow over your incision when you move, walk, laugh or cough.
Painful Gas
Gas pains after surgery are common, and sometimes peak 2-3 days after surgery. If you can provide gentle movement and pressure on your abdomen, the pain of gas cramps will be reduced.
You may also try the following:
It is important for you to know that all of your baby's care can be provided right there in your room, so keep your baby there with you as much as possible. This is a good time for you to learn your baby's cues for feeding & comfort, and you'll have the help of experienced nurses. Work with your partner, nurse, and family members to handle times when you are in the shower or napping. Hospital and Birth Centers typically provide diapers, clothing and extra baby supplies if you need them.
Important Note: It is always OK to ask questions. Do not worry about bothering the nurses or hospital staff. You may have questions or concerns about baby care or postpartum care, and they are paid to answer them!
Typically, your baby's identification and your name are printed on bracelets, and placed your baby's ankle or wrist. You and your partner get the same thing! Each time your baby is brought to you, this identification bracelet will be checked and compared with your own. We encourage you to check with your hospital about their security procedures.
Your doctor and/or nurses will typically make sure the following before you and baby leave the hospital:
When you are ready to go home, state law requires that all infants travel in an approved car seat. Be sure to position the car seat in the back-seat of the car for your baby's first ride home.
Here are some additional questions you may wish to ask before leaving the hospital:
It will take some time for you and your baby to recover from the labor and delivery experience. It will also take time for you and your partner to transition smoothly into this new era in your life together. Remember to be patient, compassionate and kind to each other. Like everything in life, we have to work at things a little before they feel entirely comfortable.
Bleeding from the vagina (as if during a menstrual period) is normal after childbirth, regardless of how you delivered. This is caused by the gradual healing inside your uterus (where the placenta was once attached), and gradual tightening of the uterine muscles as they return to normal size. This period can sometimes last several weeks.
During the first few days, the blood will be bright red and heavier than a normal period, and it may contain small blood clots (smaller than a ping-pong ball). There may sometimes be a gush of blood when you initially get up out of bed and stand-up. The bleeding will gradually decrease over time, changing in color from red to pinkish, to brown, to white and finally clear by 4 to 6 weeks after birth. If you get too active too soon, the bleeding may become bright red again. Your body may be trying to tell you to slow down. Lie down and rest.
Important Note: Do not use tampons until after your 6-week post-birth exam with your health care provider. Use sanitary pads and change them often.
Whether your baby was born by cesarean or vaginal birth, call your health care provider if you have any of these symptoms:
Many folks are unaware that newborns on TV and in the movies are played by 3-month-old babies. Newborns typically arrive covered with vernix (a white, cheesy coating); with small, flattened nose and head that's shaped funny.
This is natural, and temporary, just like these additional newborn characteristics:
Watch for the following early feeding cues or signs such as:
When your baby shares these feeding cues, put her to your breast or prepare a bottle for her.